Meeting held over methane gas testing in Winston-Salem

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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Residents living in a neighborhood next to Bowman Gray Stadium met with city officials Thursday night to learn more about the recent discovery of methane gas. The upcoming sale of the stadium to Winston-Salem State University discovered gas coming from a former landfill under the stadium parking lot.

City officials told residents that methane is not toxic, but two locations around the parking lot tested at levels of concern and they want to test more, especially residential property.

"They made a clearer understanding of what they are looking for," said Carrie Barnes, who came with her mother who has lived in the area for 40 years. "We've been hesitant about living in the residence, but now feel better."

City officials explained how property is tested and their efforts to get more residents living around the stadium to allow access for testing.

"It's a great concern for this community," said Jacob Hughes Jr., who worries not enough residents are getting involved. "I think they've done a good job of bringing this to the community ... we just need more community response."

City officials say long range plans include installing monitoring wells to keep tabs on ground water and air with a system that can burn off methane gas.